Annapurna Temple

Annapoorna Mandir with a towering height of over 100 ft

Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

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Amongst the many Indian temples dedicated to Goddess Annapoorna, the one in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore carries a special appeal for the devotees. Spread over an area of 3200 square feet, it is one of the oldest temples in Indore. The temple is an exceptional centre of faith and divinity, with a majestic height of over 100 feet. Not only is it an alluring spot for religious tourists, but it also acts as a magnetic attraction for those interested in ancient Indian art and Hindu spirituality.

History of the temple

Indore’s Annapoorna Temple was established in the 9th Century and it was rebuilt by Brahmaleen Swami Prabhanand Giri Maharaj in 1959. As per the information available in the temple, Maharaj was born on 14 January 1911 at Nandi Kutkut in Andhra Pradesh. He left home at the young age of 15 and took up the path of mortification (vairagya). Travelling through Ujjain, he reached Gujarat and performed severe penance (tapasya) at the divine Girnar Hills. His devotion led him to the darshan of Bhagwati Ambika and then, he moved to Indore in 1955. He stayed in the neighbourhood of Ranjeet Hanuman Temple and prayed meditatively below the Vat tree in Annapoorna Temple. It was then that he resolved to rebuild the temple with the help of the devotees. Finally, the idol of the deity was consecrated in a big ceremony on 22 February 1959.

Significance of the temple

Dedicated to Ma Annapoorna, the Goddess of food, the temple stands with an elevated importance. The three devis at the Annapoorna Temple are adorned with fresh shringar thrice a day. If you are interested in the shringaar ceremony, you will have to talk to the priest or visit the temple office.They will assign a specific date and you will have to provide the required resources and saree for shringar a day in advance. Besides, Ma Annapoorna Trust runs Annapoorna School and Annapoorna Ved Vedang School to impart religious education to children. Besides, it also bears the cost of education for kids coming from poor and underprivileged families.

Architecture of the temple

Annapoorna Temple presents a brilliant fusion of Indo-Aryan and Dravidian styles of architecture. It is inspired by the world-renowned Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. The temple houses a 3 feet tall statue of Goddess Annapoorna, made of marble and there are sanctums dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Lord Kal Bhairav. Further, a grand entry gate surrounded by four statues of elephants, adds to the glory of the temple. The walls of Annapoorna Temple are decorated with colourful depictions from Puranic mythology and Krishna Leela.

Temple Timings